A resident of a care home in the Brussels-Capital Region has been infected by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), according to Iriscare and Vivalis on Friday, confirming reports from several media outlets.
Investigations are underway to determine whether this case is linked to recent infections reported in Flanders.
In Flanders, STEC infections have been detected in multiple care homes. To date, 21 people have been infected, with five fatalities reported.
A spokesperson for Vivalis, the Brussels region’s social and health administration, stated that “a case was detected in a care home around 19 August". Laboratory tests have confirmed the infection, and further analysis is being conducted to establish any connection to the cases in Flanders.
The spokesperson clarified that only one person in Brussels has been infected and “is no longer in danger and in good health.”
In Wallonia, suspected cases have been reported in a care home in Ottignies.
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli is a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in human and animal intestines. Some types are harmless, but others can make people ill, with symptoms ranging from mild gastroenteritis and fever to severe bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.
Symptoms tend to appear a few days after eating or coming into contact with the bacteria, but can arise within one to 10 days. The illness usually clears up on its own within two weeks.
The bacteria are spread through contact with animals or their faeces, through consuming contaminated food or water and from person to person.
